HUDSON – A Columbia County jury convicted a man guilty of felony sexual abuse Tuesday. He wasn't in the courtroom to hear the jury render its decision.

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Instead, James Gooley, was in a hospital bed recovering from a suicide attempt, prosecutors said.

Gooley, 70, formerly of Kinderhook, also known as James Murray, was on trial in county court for an Oct. 24, 2012, arrest for sexually abusing a boy and girl under the age of 11. The crimes happened between September 2004 and January 2008, said District Attorney Paul Czajka.

The presentation of evidence in the case wrapped up Thursday and jurors were told to return for closing arguments and deliberations Friday, Czajka said. Bbut Gooley, who was free on bail, was a no-show, he said.

The jury was sent home and Columbia County Judge Richard Koweek held a hearing during which it was revealed that Gooley had gotten into a car accident that morning in Schodack after he had drank a quantity of toxic anti-freeze, Czajka said.